Sometimes, you can appear slim and relatively toned, but still have a few problem spots—such as a little extra fat on the belly, thighs, or flanks that always bothers you when you look in the mirror. Liposuction isn’t a weight loss procedure, but it’s ideal for reducing those areas of clingy, unwanted fat on isolated spots to improve your overall body proportions. After having liposuction from our Nashville-based plastic surgeons, it can take around three months for the full results to be noticeable as your skin naturally contracts and tightens around the newly slimmer contours. Although you can’t fully predict how much your skin will tighten or what the recovery experience will be like, there are some things that you can do to reduce the risk of side effects and promote a smooth recovery.
Stop Taking NSAIDs
After liposuction, it’s normal to have some temporary bleeding, bruising, and swelling. Right before and after surgery, you may need to refrain from taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as blood thinners, as they can increase the risk of bleeding and bruising. Any such change should be thoroughly discussed and approved with a primary care physician, as your long-term recovery health is always of primary importance.
Hold Off On Exercising
Light walks to promote circulation are fine, but don’t jump right into high-intensity workouts or heavy lifting for at least six weeks after your surgery—or whenever we advise you on when it would be safe to resume heavy workouts. Anything that raises your heart rate and blood pressure could delay healing and increase your risk of bleeding.
Wear Your Compression Garment
Although some people find compression garments to be itchy or uncomfortable, it’s important to continue wearing them as directed. This minimizes bruising, encourages your skin to tighten and heal properly around the reshaped contours, and reduces the risk of scarring so that you can enjoy smoother, firmer skin when you’ve healed.
Do Resume Exercise—Eventually
Routinely lifting weights once it’s safe to do can help to fill out slightly slack skin by increasing muscle mass.
Get Enough Fluids
After liposuction, you need to drink plenty of water to flush out toxins and lingering medications from your system. Drinking fluids can also reduce swelling and make your appear skin firmer and healthier.
Planning a body contouring procedure? For more tips on speeding up your recovery after liposuction, talk to Nashville’s Nashville Plastic Surgery Institute team today. Give us a call at 615-932-7700, or submit a contact form to schedule a consultation.